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Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

10 Days | Through forest, seaside and mountain peaks, get active and explore the countless UNESCO sites of Sri Lanka

4.9 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Multi-Active Adventures
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CHF  1,331
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On a 10-day active adventure in Sri Lanka, you’ll see the best UNESCO World Heritage sites and varied landscapes of this beautiful country. Cycle through tea plantations, kayak down rivers and hike to ancient fortresses from Negombo to Colombo. Explore Sigiriya’s Lion Rock, wander through the Knuckles Mountain Range and feel the breeze in your hair as you fly past the Golden Valley of Ceylon on two wheels. Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations and it’s not hard to see why – with expansive coastlines, ancient ruins, rugged mountain peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for travellers who like to get outdoors and experience a truly wild landscape.

Trip overview

Map of Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Sri Lanka
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme
Multi-Active Adventures
Destinations
Sri Lanka
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPXM
This trip generates 35 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Kayak down the Gin River on a half day paddle through Sri Lanka’s ever-changing landscape. Float past forests, sandbanks and plantations while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
  • Come face with one of Sri Lanka’s most storied sites as you hike to the ancient carved rock fortress of UNESCO World Heritage site – Sigiriya, which rises dramatically from the surrounding plains.
  • Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Knuckles Mountain Range and encounter Sri Lanka's lush scenery and amazing biodiversity. Visit the observation point ‘Mini World’s End’ and see the sheer drop into the Thelgamuwa Valley and its forest floor below.
  • Cycle a mostly downhill route through the green heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’.
  • Get to know the layered history of Galle during a cycle and walking tour, uncovering the city’s maze of streets, historic buildings, lighthouse and the famed 17th-century fort.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip requires a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy the physical activities included.
  • While the activities are diverse, they are all run at a relaxed pace and do not require a high level of expertise/experience to participate in. All travellers will need to be competent swimmers to take part in the kayaking section of this trip.
  • The weather in this region varies seasonally. Be prepared to get sweaty, and for the occasional rainstorm which may require a change of plans. Drink plenty of water and remember a good quality hat and sun block.

Itinerary

Map of Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep, Taxi, Kayak, Mountain Bike

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)

Activities
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Minneriya National Park
  • Knuckles Mountain Range - Village Walk
  • Knuckles Mountain Range guided trek
  • Knuckles Mini World's End Guided Trek
  • Hatton Tea Country Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Kandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to Hatton
  • Golden Valley of Ceylon Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour
  • Gin River Kayaking
  • Galle Guided Cycling Tour
  • Colombo - City walking tour
Add on activities
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth - USD7
  • Adam's Peak Trek - per group - USD20

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3 & 4 (Camping). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in the included outdoor activities, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary.
3. It is vital that you provide us with your height at least 30 days prior to your trip starting so we can ensure the correct sized bike for you.
4. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag or sleeping mat. Your luggage will transported by vehicle and will meet you at the camp site.
5. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
6. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. E-bike hire only applies to days 6 & 7. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Emma · Traveled March 2024
Sri Lanka - hike, bike and kayak. A great trip to get out in the fresh air and explore the mountains, tea plantations and waterways. A great variety of activity whilst learning about Sri Lanka and meeting the locals who were very friendly and welcoming
Review submitted 12 Mar 2024

Emily · Traveled March 2024
I had a fantastic time on this trip. It’s very physical in some places but if you have a good level of fitness you’ll be fine. I wish id brought more active wear with me as you do get very dirty! Cham was incredible, his knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing. Also the food! Incredible.
Review submitted 12 Mar 2024

Victoria · Traveled March 2024
A really great trip. Non stop and very active but also allows you experience the beauty of Sri Lanka and its people. Mention early if you want to do Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) as an optional activity as we ended up doing at night due to a lack of time. Cham was a fantastic guide who made the trip so enjoyable. I can’t wait to come back to this country.
Review submitted 11 Mar 2024

Kerrie · Traveled March 2024
Cham was an amazing tour leader . Would highly recommend if you’re looking for an active holiday while seeing & experiencing many of the sights beautiful Sri Lanka and its people has to offer
Review submitted 11 Mar 2024

Ellie · Traveled March 2024
If you’re an adventure lover, I can’t recommend this trip enough! It’s jam packed with incredible activities for a non stop but thorough immersion into Sri Lanka. The trip was organised very efficiently and our guide Cham made the trip what it was. He was so knowledgeable and positive you couldn’t help but fall in love with Sri Lanka. Cycling through the tea plantations was breathtaking but all of the activities are outstanding. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding and worth every penny.
Review submitted 12 Mar 2024
Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak
From
CHF  1,331